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* Tribune…
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner says he was “disappointed” to learn about the departure of Sen. Matt Murphy after the Palatine Republican announced he was leaving office to join the private sector.
Murphy’s resignation marks the second high-profile legislative ally of Rauner’s to step down in recent weeks. Rep. Ron Sandack, of Downers Grove, resigned in July, after yanking down his social media accounts, saying several fraudulent ones were set up in his name, and declaring politics had gotten “too ugly.” Sandack reported the incident to Downers Grove police, who released a heavily redacted report.
The governor’s reaction to Murphy’s exit was decidedly different. While he refused to comment on Sandack, Rauner offered praise for Murphy.
“I was surprised by it, disappointed. I think he’s been a great legislator,” Rauner said Friday after cutting the ribbon to open the Illinois State Fair. “He will be missed, no question.”
* Sun-Times…
“That said, we have strong advocates in the General Assembly for what we are recommending for reform,” the governor said.
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said the governor is losing a key ally — a respected legislator and floor leader who “would make a lot of Democrats kind of cringe because he was very articulate.
“We didn’t agree with him, but you could tell he was able to come up with the kind of saying that you knew was going to be quoted. I think there was respect for that even though folks didn’t necessary agree with him. They respected his ability to make points.
“I’m sure that whomever they replace will be just as supportive of Gov. Rauner as Matt Murphy was,” Cullerton said. “But the problem is that maybe the governor doesn’t appreciate the experience Matt Murphy brings to the Legislature. And that’s going to be lost.
“That’s what I would have said if I was the governor and somebody from my party left, rather than: We’ll just be fine without him.”
* ABC 7…
Next week, the attorney will join a firm that lobbies state lawmakers.
“Two kids in college, two more on the way, the realities of the math just dictated that I needed to jump into the private sector,” Murphy said. […]
Sen. Sue Rezin said the resignations are not a sign that the Illinois GOP is in disarray.
“For many of us, this just is simply a personal decision,” said Rezin.
He was reportedly looking at $100,000 in tuition costs with all those kids.
* And here’s part of his Facebook post announcing his resignation…
To my colleagues, past and present, we know better than most that the job is hard. At times the weight of the responsibility that comes with it can be difficult to carry. But the truth is I have loved every second of serving with you and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I have particularly enjoyed getting to know and befriend people from every corner of our state, from both chambers and parties. I wish more people outside of the legislative process could see how well we get along personally, even when we disagree vehemently on policy, and also how many legislators really do care about our state and our constituents.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:38 am
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First Sandack, now Murphy. I sure hope the remaining GOP Reps and Senators are watching closely how Bruce Rauner rewards their loyalty.
To be clear: he doesn’t care about you. Even if you’re his fiercest advocate, you’re nothing to him. You are a replaceable pawn, a mark in his ledger, you’re nothing to him.
P.S. Have a nice day!
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:47 am
This is the same reason why Sen Dave Sullivan left years ago - college tuition for the kids.
Comment by MJ Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:49 am
Wait……what? Leaving the public sector to make more money in the private? Who’d have thunk? Everyone’s saying the public sector employees have gold plated salaries and benefits! Why ever would he leave that for the private sector? /s
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:51 am
I said over the weekend that I bet his ‘family obligations’ included a steady paycheck. Munger’s playing with people’s lives by holding the legislators’ paychecks. Legislators pay is not outlandishly generous given their inability to truly work a second job. Just because the sessions are only part time, doesn’t mean they aren’t working at their district locations.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:52 am
Perhaps they shouldn’t be destroying our University system then.
Comment by illinois manufacturer Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:52 am
Huge fan of Sen. Murphy, so much so nominated him at least twice for Golden Horseshoes, and always, always, always thought Sen. Murphy had the best interest of Illinois at heart, even when I agreed with him 80% of the time.
Huge loss doesn’t even begin to cover his departure.
I’ll miss him. There’s no doubt.
To the Post, however, there are some things puzzling…
Let’s start “here”
===…how many legislators really do care about our state and our constituents.===
Raunerites voting against funding state universities in their districts? Nope, sorry, that doesn’t pass.
Raunerites continually “Yellow” or NV on Labor issues that effect their districts that normally a legislator would have free will to vote for? Nope, sorry.
Raunerites writing letters asking for “Labor Peace” then continually voting against constituents for an agenda right after the letter circulated? Nope, sorry.
If anything, Raunerism had devestated the premise Republicans “care” about their districts and their constituents.
===I wish more people outside of the legislative process could see how well we get along personally, even when we disagree vehemently on policy… ===
Rauner’s personal and venomous attacks, along with Goldberg’s lack of respect during his time as Legislative Assistant COS really poisoned the idea and people saw what Rauner wanted, personal partisan fighting, and never surrendering an image of cooperation or camaraderie.
Finally… this…
===“Two kids in college, two more on the way, the realities of the math just dictated that I needed to jump into the private sector,” (Sen. Matt) Murphy said. […]===
… and this…
===“For many of us, this just is simply a personal decision,” said (Sen. Sue) Rezin.===
When the Comptroller’s COS made it clear that “reassessing” means not paying legislators and rally forcing out those who can’t go months and months without pay, because WITH pay the challenges to serve are financially tough… as it is…
Good on the Comptroller’s Office to “weed out” those who can’t “cut it” financially.
Wonder if 4-5 more legislators quit, the Conptroller’s Office will be more pleased that they are so “thoughtful”.
I’m really going to miss Sen. Matt Murphy.
It’s easy to see why Sen. Murphy had to go, and how dismissive some are that money does matter when you get none for doing a job.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 10:57 am
–”Next week, the attorney will join a firm that lobbies state lawmakers.”–
Wow. I am shocked. /s
Just curious, when was the last time a legislator voluntarily stepped down to take a job in the private sector doing something like running a manufacturing and/or sales business, (or any business that employed blue collar Illinoians).
Comment by Bluegrass Boy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:01 am
Sen. Murphy is a fine legislator, this is not personal to him…
But, I’d like to make one small observation…
If two (2) high-ranking, and high-profile Democrats resined in a a matter of weeks, the story would be that Gov. Rauner is “winnin’”.
Do those rules not apply when it happens to Republicans?
Comment by Try-4-Truth Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:10 am
*resigned - geesh, that’s a bad typo
Comment by Try-4-Truth Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:11 am
Good luck Matt.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:13 am
I don’t blame him. Who would want to be part of what is going on in Springfield right now? And he, just like anyone else, has a family to take care of. Good luck to him.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:15 am
Can’t help but think if he’d beaten Plummer in that primary for Lt. Governor, Brady might have actually won, and we wouldn’t be in the enormous mess we’re in.
Comment by LessAnon? Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:19 am
Two high profile republicans resigning. Given Rauner’s rigid vindictive platform, they see the writing on the wall.
Rauner has done more harm to the Illinois Republican Party than any other republican in memory.
Comment by Tinsel Town Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:27 am
Two kids in college at the same time and the end isn’t even close to being in sight? That’s an economic nightmare most people Matt’s age have.
He needs dough. He’s going to go make some. Ain’t much more to it than that.
Comment by A guy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:29 am
Quick question, who replaces him? His two reps are up for election and if they take the seat when he leaves the replacements for the Reps can’t be on the ballot?
Any word?
What 25 year old does Rauner want?
Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:29 am
Moving to lead Springfield lobbyist is a move to the private sector?
Comment by Touré's Latte Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:41 am
Good thing we didn’t nominate and elect him
guv. That doesn’t pay much better.
Going from legislator to lobbyist? I guess he figured it was time to cash in on a lot of favors from over the years….
Isn’t there supposed to be some waiting period after leaving office to be being a lobbyist? If there isn’t, there should be….
Comment by Illinois bob Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:48 am
Am I the only one troubled by a guy resigning in the middle of a term for the reasons Sen. Murphy described? It’s not like college costs suddenly came out of nowhere. Why couldn’t he have not run last time if this job doesn’t pay enough or why couldn’t he stick it out until the end of his term so that his constituents get a full-fledged campaign for his successor and not stuck with appointees? Just seems irresponsible.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:49 am
===Why couldn’t he have not run last time if this job doesn’t pay enough… ===
Since when is ZERO enough? Legislators are getting zero now. They were getting more than zero before.
When Sen. Murphy ran, I’m sure having zero Legislstive Pay wasn’t thought about.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:53 am
=== Just curious, when was the last time a legislator voluntarily stepped down to take a job in the private sector doing something like running a manufacturing and/or sales business, (or any business that employed blue collar Illinoians==
Dan Kotowski resigned to become CEO of ChildServ.org, a non-profit that provides services to at-risk children and families in need.
Here are a list of the open positions for which they are seeking Illinoisans to employ: http://careers.childserv.org/default.aspx
#sonowyouknow
Comment by Matt Belcher Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:55 am
He Has Another Lap Dog In Line For The Seat.. Bet..
Comment by Shake Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:55 am
- hisgirlfriday -
With respect. OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 11:55 am
I kind of get the sense that Murphy was one of the few members of the Republican caucus that the Rauner folks would listen to. And despite his visibility as a partisan spokesman, he was a consensus builder behind the scenes. Unfortunately, Murphy’s departure gets us further away from ending the nonsense.
Comment by Phil H Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 12:01 pm
Will Rauner adddress the fact that Murphy is now a speical interest?
I look forward to the denouncin’ of such nefarious plans.
http://www.macstrategiesgroup.com/case-studies
Comment by Dr X Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 12:07 pm
is it just me, or was the line about the Gov not appreciating Murphys experience a little jab at pushing term limits and electing inexperienced people.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 12:09 pm
Perhaps there’s an element of frustration within the decision? Being a Chamber spokesperson for this Governor could not have been easy or fun. Lots of heavy lifting in return for what, exactly?
Comment by Deft Wing Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 12:44 pm
Bring back the scandal-plagued legislative scholarship program.
Comment by Jose Abreu's next homer Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Legislators are not getting zero now OW
They are being paid late just like vendors and social service providers.
Senator Murphy is a lawyer in private practice as well so while the late payments are a hardship it is not zero
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:33 pm
==I guess he figured it was time to cash in on a lot of favors from over the years==
Do you have a basis to impugn the integrity of Senator Murphy? Or, is this just more nonsensical bluster from you?
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:37 pm
===They are being paid late just like vendors and social service providers===
… and social service providers are closing, and vendors are going out of business.
Am I not going to blame Comptroller Munger for choosing winners and losers? Seems like you advocate Comptroller Munger choosing who gets to be legislators? Interesting.
===Senator Murphy is a lawyer in private practice as well so while the late payments are a hardship it is not zero===
You take a $60K pay cut, get back to me how that effects you.
===Legislators are not getting zero now OW===
When your bank account has zero from your job, it’s zero. Can’t feed people with used calendar days.
Ask those service providers and vendors about that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:40 pm
I have no issue with the Senator leaving the GA for the private sector. Working in the GA is a horrible existence. Low pay, lots of travel, lots of work, lots of anger/frustration.
However, we have terms of office and legislators should finish them out except for health reasons.
Comment by Just Me Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:44 pm
==we have terms of office and legislators should finish them out except for health reasons===
Yeah, but then the Gov couldn’t hand pick all of the future little Raunerites. We’ve already seen how he fares trying to get them elected.
Comment by Magic Dragon Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 1:52 pm
@Demoralized
=Do you have a basis to impugn the integrity of Senator Murphy? Or, is this just more nonsensical bluster from you?=
Are you really that naïve, dem? Why do you think you’re hired as a lobbyist? Over the years you’ve done enough political favors to gain access others don’t have. This is an integrity issue. It’s juts the way the game is played.
IIRC, “Real American” and War hero Bob Dole went to work for the Chinese as a lobbyist after he retired. It’s a system set up to work for the politicians against the interests of America, and in this case, Illinois.
Comment by Illinois bob Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 2:20 pm
Just me…. I would not consider what they get paid to be “low” especially considering it is essentially part time employment. I am not sure they do “lots of work” either. Maybe voting present makes it hard?
Comment by anonanon Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 2:26 pm
== Isn’t there supposed to be some waiting period after leaving office to be being a lobbyist? ==
That only applies to (untrustworthy) State employees …
Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 2:27 pm
Bob:
You hire people who know what they are doing and legislators, more than anyone else, know how the process works. You don’t have to have performed “political favors” to become a lobbyist. My argument against you isn’t about the system. My argument is against your assertion that somehow the Senator has done favors for someone. I don’t for one second question the integrity of Senator Murphy and I don’t think you should either unless you have some basis for it.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 2:48 pm
He was already in the private sector. Lawyer in a personal injury firm downtown. State senator is part time. sheesh.
Comment by too obvious Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 3:31 pm
His work as a personal injury attorney wasn’t paying the bills?
Comment by Louis Capricious Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm
The chances of the Republicans developing independent caucuses just got smaller. The few times I saw Senator Murphy in action, he seemed better informed and more engaged than the other legislators.
Like Illinois Bob and others I do not like Legislators moving directly from office into a lobbying position. They should have at least a one year period like state employees who are connected to contracts.
If this fall election is as bad for the Republicans as I expect, then he may have been smart to get out now. The best outcome for the Republicans is reduced Democratic majorities. That will lead to more brutal conflict.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 4:23 pm
@ DuPage Bard - Quick question, who replaces him? His two reps are up for election and if they take the seat when he leaves the replacements for the Reps can’t be on the ballot?
The two heavy hitter GOP committees there are Palatine and Arlington Heights. Neither one has a majority and neither one likes the other so the guv is going to have to (ahem) “intervene” to get somebody to swing to one side.
The real interesting twist is that Elk Grove committee doesn’t have enough votes to do much other than be a spoiler and the Palatine committeeman worked against the new Elk Grove guy last year.
Drama!
Both Reps in that district are unopposed so it doesn’t really matter on the ballot.
One Rep is Palatine’s Tom Morrison where Matt Murphy is from. Rumors are he’s lobbying for it.
That would give Palatine Committeeman Aaron DeMar a clear shot at appointing himself State Rep as Morrison’s replacement. He wouldn’t need any other committee votes.
The guv would get a two-fer with one in the Senate and one in the House.
The other Rep is David Harris in Arlington Heights who has occasionally clashed with Gov. Rauner. Even if Harris wants it the guv probably won’t allow that to happen.
Some township and village types are also vying for it but I don’t think any of them will really matter in the end.
Comment by A. Nonymous Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 5:02 pm
Amazing how quickly they start singing publicly about their deep friendships from both parties and both chambers AFTER they decide to become lobbyists.
I’m just sayin’.
Comment by Juvenal Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 5:24 pm
Murphy is one of the good guys: this is a big loss to the institution and the process
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 5:51 pm
It appears like Rauner is starving out the legislators (long paycheck delays)he wants to get rid of.
Comment by Mama Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 6:32 pm
Who will be the next legislator to resign?
Comment by Mama Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 6:35 pm
If one takes Murphy at face value after listening to his comments on Chicago Tonight, he is leaving on his own terms. So if additional people of both parties continue to leave, one might conclude we are heading to some sort of a State shutdown that has never been seen before ?
Comment by woodstock willy Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 7:47 pm
If a waiting period is deemed appropriate for state workers before going in the revolving door, then why not for legislators? Just askin’
Comment by anon Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 9:03 pm
Isn’t this a “revolving door ” ethics violation…
Comment by Property of IDOC Monday, Aug 15, 16 @ 9:27 pm